Fifteen years after the murder of his older sister, 24-year-old Daniel (2020 Emmy nominee Jovan Adepo) finds himself falling for Cassie (Grace Van Patten), an outgoing high school senior, in this Romeo & Juliet-style thriller set in the American heartland. Also starring Academy Award-nominated actress Mary J. Blige, Lukas Haas, and Jahi Di’Allo Winston.

Winner of the Best of NEXT Audience Award at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, First Girl I Loved is a poignant coming-of-age tale that captures all the anxiety, bravery, and heartbreak of first love. On assignment for her high-school yearbook, social-misfit Anne (Dylan Gelula) charmingly hits it off with the beautiful star of the softball team, Sasha (Brianna Hildebrand). But when Anne tells her best friend Clifton (Mateo Arias) about her new crush, he reveals a hidden jealousy that threatens more than just the girls’ budding romance. Writer/director Kerem Sanga tells this remarkably touching story with a multifaceted style that is as fresh as it is daring. Brimming with authenticity and humor, First Girl I Loved offers a delightful, contemporary perspective on the jitters of new romance and the age-old heartbreak of love.